ECC SDL Flashcards
Place an IV catheter
Take blood for culture, haematology, biochemistry & IgG
Perform ultrasound (assess GI, umbilicus, lungs)
What is the normal USG for a 1-day-old foal?
<1.008-1.012 (lower than adults due to immature renal function)
What is meconium, and when should it be passed?
Meconium is foal’s first stool, usually passed within 12-24 hours after birth
How can you determine if a foal is premature?
Radiographs → Assess carpal/tarsal bone ossification
Clinical signs → Weakness, domed forehead, floppy ears, silky coat
What could these values indicate in a 1 day old premature foal? What is the diagnosis?
PCV high → Suggests dehydration
WBC low with neutropenia → Suggests sepsis
Triglycerides high → Suggests poor energy balance
Lactate high → Suggests poor perfusion/hypoxia
Premature, neonatal maladjustment syndrome, failure of passive transfer & neonatal sepsis
What are the key components of triage in trauma patients?
TPMR (Temperature, Pulse, Mucous Membranes, Respiratory Rate & Effort), Blood Pressure, Neurological Status, Pain Assessment, Ultrasound (VetBLUE, TFAST, AFAST)
What are common primary concerns in trauma patients?
Haemorrhage, pneumothorax, haemothorax, fractures, organ rupture, shock, neurological injury
What initial interventions should be considered in trauma patients?
Oxygen therapy, fluid resuscitation (Hartmann’s 10-20ml/kg bolus), pain relief (opioids), sedation if agitated, haemorrhage control, imaging (radiographs, ultrasound)
What are the key signs of hypovolaemic shock?
Tachycardia, weak pulses, pale mucous membranes, prolonged CRT (>3s), low BP, poor mentation
What is the initial fluid therapy for shock?
Crystalloids (Hartmann’s 10-20ml/kg IV bolus), reassess BP & perfusion, consider blood transfusion if haemorrhage present
What should be avoided in fluid therapy for trauma patients?
Excessive fluid boluses, as they can worsen haemorrhage or cause fluid overload
What are signs of thoracic trauma?
Increased respiratory effort, tachypnea, cyanosis, dull lung sounds (haemothorax), hyper-resonance (pneumothorax), SpO₂ < 90%
How is thoracic trauma diagnosed?
VetBLUE ultrasound (B-lines, lung point), radiographs (if stable), arterial blood gas
What ultrasound signs indicate abdominal bleeding?
Positive AFAST (fluid score 4/4), flat caudal vena cava, hypoechoic free fluid
What is the treatment for haemoperitoneum?
IV fluids for perfusion, blood transfusion if PCV < 20%, surgical intervention if haemorrhage persists
What are indicators of bladder rupture in trauma?
Abdominal fluid with creatinine >2x serum, hyperkalaemia, free fluid on ultrasound
What are key neurological signs to assess in trauma?
Mentation (obtunded, stuporous), menace response, pupil size & PLR, ataxia, circling, proprioception deficits
